2 police officers, tinamaan ng kidlat habang naka-duty

- Two police officers died after being struck by lightning amid heavy rains in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on the evening of May 14

- The officers were hit while in the parking area of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion Headquarters of Police Regional Office 4B

- Both officers were rushed to Mindoro Medical Center but were declared dead upon arrival

- MIMAROPA Police Regional Director BGen. Roger Quesada said the PNP will provide full assistance, benefits, and honors to the families of the fallen officers

Two police officers were killed after being struck by lightning while on duty in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday evening, May 14.

The tragic incident occurred amid heavy rains between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m., according to a statement from Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor.

In a Facebook post, Governor Dolor said the officers were hit while they were in the parking area of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion Headquarters of Police Regional Office 4B in Naujan.

The officers were immediately rushed to Mindoro Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival.

Dolor expressed his condolences and called the incident a heartbreaking loss for the community and the Philippine National Police.

Following the incident, MIMAROPA Police Regional Director Brigadier General Roger Quesada assured the public that the PNP would provide full support to the families of the fallen officers.

“The PNP will provide full assistance, benefits, and honors to the fallen cops,” Quesada stated.

The unexpected tragedy highlights the unpredictable dangers police officers face even outside combat or crime-related situations.

Many netizens and public officials have since taken to social media to express sympathy and recognize the dedication of the officers who lost their lives while in service.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims as of this writing, pending notification of their families.

Memorial services are expected to be held in the coming days to pay tribute to the fallen officers.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, Arnie Benedicto, the Barangay Captain of Lantad, Silay City and the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of the supporters of the incumbent mayor of the said city, has surrendered to the authorities. It can be recalled that early on Monday, May 12, 2025, news about the fatal shooting that resulted in two deaths and seven injuries spread like wildfire online. The shooting incident is claimed to be linked to alleged vote buying monitoring activities. Witnesses say the violence erupted after Benedicto reportedly fired upon volunteers of “Team Ugyon” who were monitoring alleged vote-buying activities outside a property associated with “Team Asenso.”

Still in other news, a 65-year-old man, Nestor Rensales, died after voting in Oas, Albay during the midterm elections. Rensales, a stroke survivor, felt dizzy and collapsed shortly after casting his vote at Oas South Central Elementary School, ABS-CBN reported. His wife shared that he insisted on voting despite the heat and early crowd, believing his vote still mattered. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Source: KAMI.com.gh